Obama uses U2's 'City of Blinding Lights' to open his farewell speech

In what's been an emotional night for many across the USA and the wider world, Barack Obama has made his farewell speech to his nation, the United States of America. As he began, rapturous chants of 'Four More Years' rang around McCormick Place Convention Center. Obama spoke of his achievements – including job creation, marriage equality reform, economic growth, renewed US-Cuban relations, the end of the Iranian Nuclear Program and affordable healthcare for America's citizens, before moving on to the peaceful transition of power to Donald Trump and the tests to democracy which await America.

President Obama was brought to tears as the crowd's longest applause of the night was reserved for Michelle Obama, showing how fond America is of its long-time First Lady. He ended the night with one final "Yes We Can", before Springsteen's 'Land of Hope And Dreams' ended the night.

When we reflect on Obama's Presidency, there are criticisms that can be made: the failure to close Guantanamo Bay and the increase in drone strikes during his tenure as President are two of the most obvious examples. Despite the fact that he was stifled by Congress for his eight years in office, which dramatically reduced his ability to effect change, he will surely be remembered as one of the best Presidents of recent times. Furthermore, he was the first to break the 'colour' barrier – the first black President in the U.S.A. – and while the concept of a 'Post-Racial America' after his election has proved to be little more than a dream, Obama has surely paved the way for others to come.

So proud of @POTUS and all that we've accomplished together. An incredible journey filled with remarkable people. I love you Barack. -mo pic.twitter.com/TFUN3GDLyz

— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) January 11, 2017